Andrew Wouters
Andrew Wouters was a Dutch Catholic priest and one of the 19 Martyrs of Gorkum, who were executed in 1572 during the Dutch Revolt. He is remembered for his refusal to renounce his Catholic faith despite a past as a known womanizer, famously stating, "Fornicator I always was; heretic I never was."
- Feast Day
- 9 July
- Century
- 16th century
- Country Or Region
- Netherlands
Key Facts
- ›Andrew Wouters was born in 1542 and served as a pastor in Heinenoord, Hoeksche Waard.
- ›He was one of the 19 Martyrs of Gorkum, captured in June 1572 during the Dutch Revolt.
- ›Wouters and his fellow martyrs were ordered to abandon their beliefs in Transubstantiation and Papal supremacy, which they refused.
- ›They were hanged in 1572 from the roof of a turfshed.
- ›Wouters was canonized by Pope Pius IX on June 29, 1867.
- ›His feast day is July 9.
Andries Wouters
About Andrew Wouters
Andrew Wouters, also known by his Dutch name Andries Wouters, was a Dutch Catholic priest who lived in the 16th century. He is historically significant as one of the 19 Martyrs of Gorkum, a group of Catholic clergy executed in 1572 during the tumultuous period of the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule.
Life and Martyrdom
Born in 1542, Wouters served as a pastor in Heinenoord, located in Hoeksche Waard. The article notes that he lived a "scandalous life" and was a "known womanizer" with several children. Despite this personal history, Wouters remained steadfast in his Catholic faith.
In June 1572, as the Dutch Revolt intensified, Gorkum fell to Dutch rebels who were actively opposing the Catholic Church. They captured a number of Franciscan friars, lay brothers, and priests, including Wouters. These individuals were imprisoned at Gorkum from June 26 to July 6, 1572, and then moved to Brielle, arriving on July 8.
In captivity, the prisoners were ordered to renounce their belief in Transubstantiation and Papal supremacy. All nineteen refused to abandon their faith. Despite a letter from William the Silent advocating for their protection, the Calvinists proceeded with their execution. The martyrs were hanged in 1572 from the roof of a turfshed. Wouters' final recorded words were: "Fornicator I always was; heretic I never was," a poignant acknowledgment of his past sins alongside his unyielding adherence to Catholicism.
Veneration and Legacy
Andrew Wouters and his 18 fellow martyrs were recognized for their sacrifice through beatification by Pope Clement X in 1675, following numerous accounts of miraculous intercessions attributed to them, particularly the healing of hernias. Their canonization took place on June 29, 1867, by Pope Pius IX, as part of the grand celebrations commemorating the 1800th anniversary of the martyrdom of Saints Peter and Paul.
Brielle, the site of their execution, became a place of pilgrimage. While the martyrs' relics were later transferred to the Church of Saint Nicholas in Brussels, Belgium, their story continues to be a testament to faith in the face of persecution. Andrew Wouters' feast day is observed annually on July 9th.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Andrew Wouters?
Andrew Wouters, also known as Andries Wouters, was a Dutch Catholic priest born in 1542. He served as a pastor and became one of the 19 Martyrs of Gorkum in 1572.
Why is Andrew Wouters remembered as a martyr?
He was captured by Calvinist rebels during the Dutch Revolt along with 18 other clerics. They were ordered to renounce their Catholic faith and refuse to do so, leading to their execution by hanging in 1572.
What were Andrew Wouters' last words?
Andrew Wouters' last words were "Fornicator I always was; heretic I never was." This reflected his acknowledged past as a womanizer but his unwavering commitment to his faith.
When was Andrew Wouters canonized?
Andrew Wouters and his fellow martyrs were canonized by Pope Pius IX on June 29, 1867. They had been beatified by Pope Clement X in 1675.
What is Andrew Wouters' feast day?
Andrew Wouters' feast day is celebrated on July 9.
Related Saints
Anthony of Weert
Anthony of Weert was a Franciscan friar and priest who was martyred during the Dutch Revolt. He is remembered as one of the Martyrs of Gorkum, a group of 19 men executed in 1572. This group was later beatified and canonized, and they share a common feast day.
Adrian van Hilvarenbeek
Adrian van Hilvarenbeek was one of the nineteen Catholic martyrs executed by Dutch Calvinists in 1572 during the Dutch Revolt. He is remembered as a member of the group known as the Martyrs of Gorkum, who are venerated for their steadfast faith. His martyrdom occurred during a period of intense religious conflict in the Netherlands.
Godfried Coart
Godfried Coart was a Franciscan friar and one of the martyrs of Gorkum, born in Melveren in 1512. He is honored as the first canonized saint of Belgium. He was martyred on July 9, 1572, alongside other Franciscans, and is remembered for his forgiveness of his killers.